Rain, Snow, And Sneaker Waves Expected With SoCal Weekend Storm

LOS ANGELES, CA — Less than a week after a pair of storms brought record-breaking torrential downpours to parts of Southern California, another storm is slated to wash over the region headed into the holiday weekend.

The upcoming weekend storm is expected to be far more moderate and will include a dusting of snow at higher elevations, according to the National Weather Service.

Starting late Friday night, the storm is expected to bring scattered showers lasting through Saturday afternoon along with cooler temperatures in the low 60s along the coasts and upper 50s inland in southwest Riverside County. National Weather Service forecasters told Patch the bulk of the storm will hit Northern California, notably weakening as it moves into the Southland.

In Los Angeles County, about half an inch of rain is expected as well as a possibility of snow in elevations above 7,500 feet in the mountains.

In Orange and San Diego Counties, residents should see about a third of an inch of rain throughout the region. National Weather Service spokesperson Casey Oswant said elevations higher than 6,500 feet could get anywhere from an inch to two inches of snow, particularly in the San Bernadino Mountains.

Residents in Riverside County will likely see just about a half inch of rain, the weather service forecast.

Though the overall risk of major weather-related events such as mudslides or floods is low, burn scar areas may be more vulnerable to mudslides, officials warned.

"I wouldn't expect any major mudslide events from this particular storm," said NWS spokesperson Mike Wofford.

However, weather service officials are warning of coastal flooding and dangerous conditions at the beach.

"Dangerous surf, life-threatening rip currents, and coastal flooding are expected at the beaches this week," the weather service warned on X. "Impacts are expected to become most extreme on Thursday."

The National Weather Service issued a Beach Hazards Statement warning swimmers of large waves and dangerous currents along the coast of Southern California until Saturday night. Areas off the coast of the entire county will see large breaking waves of 7 to 15 feet with dangerous rip currents.

The dangerous ocean conditions include an increased risk of drowning due to strong rip currents that can pull swimmers and surfers out to sea, officials said. The NWS said the waves may wash people off of beaches and rocks and capsize small boats near the shore.

"Remain out of the water due to hazardous swimming conditions, or stay near occupied lifeguard towers. Rock jetties can be deadly in such conditions, stay off the rocks," the NWS said in a statement.